Official said Tuesday that the animal was not leashed when outside, and that the home in Houston has no fenced backyard, so it is not possible to determine how or when the animal became infected.

Authorities say the dog, which also did not have a current rabies vaccination, was a medium-sized adult male, red and tan with white markings.

Officials are advising anyone in the Houston area who thinks they might have come in contact with the rabid dog should immediately contact a doctor or call the Division of Public Health’s Rabies Program.

Anyone with a pet that may have been bitten by the dog should call a veterinarian.